By Jordyn Grubisic
A STRONG first half by Broadford couldn’t secure the win over Outer East Football Netball League top-of-the-ladder side Warburton-Millgrove on Saturday, going down 8.2 (50) to 17.21 (123).
Broadford forwards had a strong start in the first quarter, kicking four goals straight to give the side a three-point lead heading into the second term.
The Kangaroos maintained their accuracy in front of goals, kicking another four goals straight, but the Burras began to swoop in leading at halftime by nine points 8.9 (67) to 8.0 (48).
A scoreless third quarter for Broadford saw Warbuton-Millgrove jump to a comfortable 38-point lead.
Warburton-Millgrove piled on another five goals in the fourth quarter to secure a 73-point win.
Broadford coach Jayden Welch said his side started really well with strong inside kicks and overlap runs but couldn’t sustain it for four quarters.
“We really stuck to what we’re trying to implement and took the game on for three quarters,” he said.
“Obviously we were very accurate in front of goals as well which helps. A lot of the time it’s usually the other way around – we kick four behinds before getting a goal whereas the first quarter we had four goals straight and that helped a lot.
“I think we came ready to play and the first half we put everything together we’ve been trying to accomplish and play some really good footy.
“Unfortunately the second half fell away from us and I think fitness might’ve come into it for a bit. They got a bit of a run on so that hurt a lot.”
Broadford’s Angus Norris, Adam Miles and Brayden Hardstaff were among the best players for the match.
James Simpson also played well in his debut senior game being named in the best.
Kangaroos captain Liam Lucas did not play due to a broken arm and will be out for the remainder of the season.
“It just means we’ve got to obviously step up a bit and fill his role,” Welch said.
“He’s obviously a massive loss for us but it just means we’ve all got to step up and do a little bit extra.”
This Saturday Broadford play at Yarra Glen, who sit just above the Kangaroos on the ladder in fourth place.
Welch said the side would hopefully again bring four quarters of football together.
“Obviously we brought it to the top of the table. We had a few out but I think if we played four quarters the outcome could’ve been a lot different or the margin would’ve been a lot less, that’s for sure,” he said.
“We need to try and play our brand of footy for four quarters and not just a half.
“We’ll try to work on that over the week and try to pull it all together.”
Netball
Broadford A Grade netballers suffered a 34-goal loss to top-of-the-ladder Warburton-Millgrove on Saturday.
The Kangaroos were right behind the Burras in the first quarter, trailing by two goals before Warburton-Millgrove extended its lead out to six goals in the second.
After half time, the Burras shifted gears, leaving Broadford unable to catch up as the side trailed by 20 goals at the last change, before going down 37 to 71.
Best players for Broadford were captain Ally Black, Megan Berger and Kate Berger.
This Saturday, third-placed Broadford will play Yarra Glen, who are second on the ladder.
Following the away game, Broadford Football Netball Club is hosting ABBA tribute band BABBA at Broadford Shire Hall, with tickets available to the public by visiting www.trybooking.com/CHVSE.